Lukaku-Costa exchange closer

Atlético Madrid and Chelsea are close to concluding the transfer of the Belgian forward Romelo Lukaku to the Spanish club as part of a deal that will take Diego Costa to Stamford Bridge for next season, according to the British newspaper, the "Evening Standard".

21-year-old Lukaku has played on loan at West Bromwich and Everton over that past two seasons despite a portion of Chelsea’s fans being keen on bringing him back to solve the lack of goals José Mourinho’s team suffered over the last term.

The British newspaper states Chelsea’s preferred option is a sale of the player for 25 million pounds (30 million euros), although it’s likely they would accept another loan deal.

Tottenham, Everton, Roma and Juventus are among the European clubs that have shown interest for the striker, but Atlético are best placed due to Chelsea’s interest in Costa and the full-back, Filipe Luis.

The "Evening Standard" claims that the club owned by the Russian magnate Roman Abramovich is prepared to pay 50 million pounds (60 million euros) for both players.

"At this stage I have to look to myself. I have to play a good World Cup. That’s very interesting for all the players looking for a transfer, and I must be one of them. Chelsea know my point of view", Lukaku stated this week to the British media.